BEST OF BRITISH TOURISM ON VISIT TO BUTLIN’S
above: OLIVER DOWDEN CBE sees first-hand the measures Butlins had put in place.
The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP - Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - has visited Butlin’s Bognor Regis to see first-hand how domestic tourism is booming despite COVID-19 restrictions still being in place. Mr Dowden met with holidaymakers and staff – including the famous Red Coats - as he was given a tour by Managing Director, Jon Hendry-Pickup. Butlin’s has introduced a range of measures to keep guests safe whilst still providing the renowned experience that has captivated generations of guests. A new openair amphitheatre is hosting outdoor entertainment from 10am until 9pm at a safe social distance with capacity for up 500 people at Bognor Regis, whilst Butlin’s has also participated in a UK Government pilot to test the use of indoor theatre space at reduced capacity.
New mobile platforms where customers can book activities, swimming and shows in advance to avoid queuing has come into operation and Butlin’s state of the art £40m swimming pool opened in May 2019 – Splash – has resumed operation with new social distancing measures developed in conjunction with Swim England. Butlin’s Bognor Regis generates £90m sales per year with 350,000 guests and day visitors, and 1300 team members – the biggest single employer in the area. Over the past two years, Butlin’s has invested almost £50m in its Bognor Regis site to maintain and enhance its famous guest experience to ensure it remains a Great British success story.
Jon Hendry-Pickup, Managing Director at Butlin’s, said: “Butlin’s has been treasured by generations of British holidaymakers and as COVID-19 restrictions eased it was once again the go-to destination for families across the country. “Whether it be our exceptional outdoor entertainment, access to our brilliant Splash pool or our new methods of booking food and activities, guests can be assured that the Butlin’s experience is as enjoyable as ever whilst remaining safe and secure for visitors and staff.”